PM Modi to inaugurate India AI Impact Expo 2026: Dates, venue, entry rules and all you need to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on February 16 at 5 pm at Bharat Mandapam, as India prepares to showcase its artificial intelligence applications across governance, industry and citizen services.

The five-day Expo, to be held from February 16 to 20 alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026, is being positioned as a national demonstration of “AI in action”.

The event will bring together policymakers, global technology firms, startups, academia, research institutions, Union ministries, state governments and international partners.

Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo will host over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations, organised around three thematic chakras.

The event will feature over 600 high-potential startups, many showcasing working products already deployed in real-world settings.

Thirteen country pavilions will also be set up to showcase international collaboration in the AI ecosystem, including Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and Africa.

The India AI Impact Expo 2026 is expected to draw over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, with the event aimed at catalysing partnerships and creating new business opportunities within the global AI landscape.

More than 500 sessions are scheduled during the Summit and Expo, featuring over 3,250 speakers and panel members.

Discussions will focus on AI’s transformative impact across sectors and future actions to ensure the technology benefits every global citizen.

Entry restrictions

According to an official advisory issued on Sunday, entry to the Summit will be restricted on the opening day, while the Expo arena at Bharat Mandapam will remain closed on February 16 due to the Prime Minister’s inauguration.

“Bharat Mandapam Expo Arena: Closed on 16 February (Inauguration by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India at 5 pm). Open to all from 17 February onwards,” the advisory said.

How to attend the event

Officials involved in preparations said delegates can attend the event by registering on DigiYatra or scanning QR codes available on the India AI Impact Summit app at various entry points.

Access to the Bharat Mandapam main hall area will be regulated through Gates 4, 7 and 10.

Entry from Gate 4 will be operational between 7.30 am and 2 pm, with car and cab drop-offs permitted during this period, after which access will be restricted as per security protocol.

Gate 7 will open only after 2 pm, requiring delegates to alight in front of the gate and enter through the Business Plaza, while Gate 10 will be closest for metro commuters.

“Access through other designated gates shall remain subject to security clearance and movement restrictions as per protocol,” the advisory said.

Timings and shuttle services

Both Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan will remain open between 9.30 am and 6 pm during the event days.

Shuttle services will operate from parking facilities at Purana Qila, Zoo Parking Space and JLN Stadium to Bharat Mandapam Gate 4, while golf carts will be available within the complex.

Entry to Sushma Swaraj Bhawan will be open from Gate 2 for pedestrians, metro users, drop-offs and self-driven vehicles.

However, officials said there will be no shuttle service from Bhairo Mandir Parking, which has been allocated for around 600 registered media professionals.

“Registration for the event is free. No money is being charged. Anyone can register and attend any of the events on the 16th, 17th, 18th and 20th,” a MeitY official said.